So I got a new perscription, but since I have no insurance, i am kind of limited in that I will generally ask for some free samples from the doc if they are like $50 a month for 6-8 months like most anti-depressants are. So, he gave me some venlafaxine. i ve never heard of it, have any of you guys?
(venlafaxine) Known as the ingrediant for Effexor. If you don't have any insurance to cover medication, you may want to talk with the doctor about trying the much cheaper generic Tricylic antidepressants. You might also ask your Pharmacist if there are any State programs which might cover a portion of the medication cost.
I too have heard of people gaining or loseing weight with antidepressants. The typical medical reasoning: You became less depressed so either the drug helped restore your normal eating habit, or the drug helped you feel better, and you started being more active.
Some have done well with the newer SSRI's, but my first choice is to try cheaper generic Tricylic antidepressants before moving on to the much more expensive SSRI's. I personally have done well with generic Elavil myself.
I saw Serzone mentioned in the thread. A serious side effect ( I believe the liver) has been seen with Serzone, and a boxed warning was placed on Serzone. My doctor told me he was taking all his patients off Serzone except for a select few.
Wellbutrin is more of a stimulating type medication.
A drug known as Strattera was recently approved for ADD, and although not classified a class ll stimulant, the drug does produce similar effects on the human body. Althought not approved for use as an antidepressant, in my opinion I expect Eli Lilly will seek out approval for use as an antidepressant if the drug goes over well with humans for ADD, and bad side effects due not show up after wide spread market use.
Anyway, I thought I would jump im on this thread.
Regards,
On1Mission